I was fain to tell him what I was carrying, and where. To see the rage he flew into, shedding tears, and chattering French, and yet not angry with me, for he said French for poor boy, poor child, many times. He bade me take the things back, and said he would go speak to my good father in sanctuary. I learn that he did so, and said bitter words to my good father--who hath not since named dress to me or bringing him aught of Sir Thomas’s. Master Jehan is going again into Hainault, in Flanders, and in truth I grieve not much. **** My lady, Sir Thomas’s mother, gave me a shilling, saying I did well to defend our badge against the Ferrers’s--their’s is the ‘Six Horse-shoes,’--but this will not pay the doublet. I said not, I beat him for that he said my good father ran from Creçy; and taunted me with my uncle keeping the sign of the ‘Fleece,’ in Watling Street. I warrant you I shall hear no more of it. Master Pollen, the pantler, tells me it is true my father had the tablecloth cut cross-ways in front of him, in sign of disgrace to his knighthood, which is a sore shame to us. I would thou and he were friends, that I might not hear him say such bitter things of thee--which I know thou dost not merit. I pray thee forget not the six shillings (easterling). Master Pollen knows a skilful tailor, his brother, will repair it for that money, and Sir Thomas never know. I am bound to an archery play on the moor--whereat Prince John says there is none to match me. I would Wat Smith knew of this. I would fain see him and Hob, and you and Mistress Adlyn and Peter. I pray you send me the six shillings. “Your loving dutiful Son, “John Falstaff” The above letter * is not dated; but was obviously written towards the autumn of 1365. From this date--to that of our hero’s ripest maturity--there is a deplorable gap in the Falstaff correspondence. Indeed, with the exception of the above specimen, the earliest relic or mention of any manuscript in Sir John’s handwriting may be traced to the conversation recorded in the first chapter of the present book. * Preserved in the Strongate collection, to which valuable depository of antiquarian lore (and the facilities afforded by its enlightened owner for its inspection) the writer cannot sufficiently express his obligations. He has much pleasure in being the first to announce that it is the intention of the fortunate possessor, Mr. Roderick Bolton, F. S. A., of Kemys-Commander, Monmouthshire, to bequeath this priceless collection to the British Museum at his decease. Long may the melancholy event be delayed which shall establish the nation in possession of so inestimable a legacy!